(a) Nothing contained in this article limits rights, privileges or immunities provided to volunteer health practitioners by laws other than this article. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, this article does not affect requirements for the use of health practitioners pursuant to the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

(b) The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, pursuant to the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, may incorporate into the emergency forces of this state volunteer health practitioners who are not officers or employees of this state, a political subdivision of this state or a municipality or other local government within this state.